Mediaboss Marketing

Updated MAR 07, 2014 3:31p ET

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Charges have been dropped against three football fans who were facing prosecution for using the y-word.

Gary Whybrow, 31, Sam Parsons, 24, and Peter Ditchman, 52, were all hauled before magistrates after allegedly using the language at Tottenham matches last autumn.

However the Crown Prosecution Service said the words could not legally be counted as "threatening, abusive or insulting" in the circumstances.

Baljit Ubhey from the CPS said: "In accordance with our duty to keep all cases under review we have conducted a senior level review of this case.

"It has now been concluded that, according to the Code for Crown Prosecutors, there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, and that the cases against Peter Ditchman, Gary Whybrow and Sam Parsons should be discontinued.

"In considering whether a criminal offense could be proved we have to look objectively at the words used, and the context in which they were used.

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Charges dropped against trio accused of using y-word slur